Engine wanted for MK 1 , 2006 era , Engine now FOUND and FITTED. SEPT 2021 Dave

[Chappeurz]

Hello all, I am searching for a CBF 1000 Mark 1 engine, please. I would like the complete engine, as mine has blown a head gasket. My mechanic suggests I buy a complete engine, as other parts may have been damaged, and gasket sets are not cheap.
Thanks all, in advance , Dave . Conway area ,North Wales.

[Art]

Its most unusual for a head gasket to fail on a Honda mo'cycle, how was the failure diagnosed and what are the symptoms?

If your 'mechanic' is recommending replacing the engine without an exploratory strip down I'd seriously consider replacing the 'mechanic'. A replacement head gasket is by far a more economic repair than replacing the engine with a used unit, besides by replacing the head gasket you end up with a known engine vs the chance of a kettle of fish. If your certain that a replacement engine is the way you want to go you'll be spoilt for choice with CBF 1000 engines offered on fleabay but be aware of obvious faults such as broken engine mounting lugs, sheared off exhaust manifold studs, what's included and what's not included etc. For example, most replacement engines from breakers will come without the throttle bodies which need to be individually adjusted for each engine and which can be a right royal pain to set up.

If it was mine and the head gasket failure was confirmed, I'd have the head off to see why. If it turns out to be more of an issue than a failed head gasket I'd consider breaking it to sell it off for the sum of its parts which will undoubtedly be worth far more than the whole. Or, if it was a keeper I'd be keeping an eye on Copart for a donor motorcycle. After transplanting the engine I'd put the remaining parts and the serviceable parts off of the original engine on fleabay with a very good chance of being in profit at the end of trading.

[Art]

Out of curiosity I checked on the prices being asked for gasket sets and found this £90 Honda CBF1000 CBF 1000 2006 - 2012 Complete Gasket Kit on fleabay if that helps.

[jm2]

Likewise think it is rare (has anyone had one?) to loose a head gasket. 
I wonder if it is a cam cover gasket.  A couple of those have gone with explosive stators.  No biggy and you can do other checks whilst those covers are off.

Is there actually an oil leak, and where was it visible ?
What, actually, happend ?

[Philby21]

We definitely need more information on this, as others have said it's unusual for a head gasket to fail and if it has, depending on the cause it can be a case of just changing the gasket, possibly having the head skimmed too.  Both options are likely to be considerably cheaper than a decent replacement engine.

If you're in a position to get the bike to another mechanic then I hear good things about Guy's in Kinmel Bay but if you don't mind travelling further then I would highly recommend Two Wheel Workshop in Ellesmere Port, pretty much the only place I trust with any of my bikes (or the wife's).

Phil

[Chappeurz]

Thanks Philby 21, We were in flint over the weekend. My buddy + his wife live there . Often go visiting them .
Looks like water dripping from the front of the head gasket area. Having it looked at next week sometime, when Dan is back off holidays. Fairly high miles, so hopefully he can repair it. I've been searching for a replacement engine whilst he's on hols.
Few comments on here, and good info from Art, so my plan of action is started. Luckily , my other bike is still running well, Regards , Dave

[Philby21]

If it turns out to definitely be the head gasket and you want to get the head checked out (pressure tested) or skimmed then I can highly recommend a really good place in Connah's Quay, E&J Hammond on Dock Road - a proper engineering workshop!

[crazysuper]

I bought a mark 1 that the previous owner had hit a large rock on the road with and that knocked off his lower rad hose, overheated and blew the head gasket . Long story, but he was moving to another bike and I got an otherwise nice machine for just$ 800.00 CAD!  I figured, what the heck, if I can't fix it could be a parts bike for my OTHER mark 1. I pulled the head ( which, by the way; you do NOT have to pull the engine for, Honda's wrong) planed the head old school on a plate of glass with two different grits of sandpaper glued to, put it back together with a new head gasket, and badaboom, bandaging, 5000 Miles later is still running great. Total cost: approx.$ 200.00 try it, you' ll like it.